Learn how to live green in Roseville

Courtesy of Matthew DavisThe Roseville Utility Exploration Center will host a workshop on vermicomposting during an upcoming Saturday workshop.

Courtesy of Matthew DavisCheryl Buckwalter (front) and James Rafael participate in a previous organic gardening workshop hosted by the Roseville Utility Exploration Center. The center will once again teach residents about organic gardening during an upcoming Saturday workshop.

Composting is no longer just for hippies.
More and more people are starting to compost their food scraps and yard waste, turning this stuff into a natural additive to improve soil and the productivity of gardens. Compost adds biomass and nutrients to a yard. Composting at home also saves the cost and energy of transporting the waste to landfills, which reduces related pollution.
Last weekend, Roseville residents had the chance to learn how to compost during a workshop hosted by the Roseville Utility Exploration Center.
But don’t worry if you missed out. There’s still plenty of time to get in on the act.
Starting this month, the center will host 60 Saturday workshops on sustainable living, covering topics such as organic gardening, water-wise landscaping, smart shopping, and energy conservation to help homeowners save money and natural resources through new water and energy technology and practices.
Workshops already scheduled include Solar Power Options, Irrigation Installation Basics, Vermicomposting, Sustainable Lawn Care, Holiday Green Decorating and more. Children’s workshops focus on sustainable living practices as they create imaginative art and construction projects using recycled and repurposed materials.
The Exploration Center also hosts a “Feed Your Brain” First Friday lecture series through May 2011. Lectures address such issues as “Oil on the Brain” and “Greening Your Holidays.” Foothills Farmer’s Market growers will provide complementary local produce samples during the events.
Lecture locations rotate between Roseville and Auburn. Season tickets, three-pack tickets and individual tickets are available. Purchase tickets by calling the Utility Exploration Center at (916) 746-1550.
The Roseville Utility Exploration Center’s 2010-11 Green Living Guide is now available. The guide contains a list of workshops, lectures, school tours and special events geared to sustainable practices in everyday life. To obtain a free copy, visit the Roseville Utility Exploration Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd. in Mahany Park. Download the guide at www.roseville.ca.us/explore or call (916) 746-1550 to have one mailed to your home.
~ Sena Christian
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Upcoming Green Living WorkshopsIntroduction to drip irrigationWhen: 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
Where: Roseville Utility Exploration Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd.
Cost: Family fee $10, $7 resident discount
To register: visit www.rosevilleca.us/explore or call (916) 746-1550
Eco-friendly back-to-school suppliesWhen: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Roseville Utility Exploration Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd.
Cost: Family fee $5, $4 resident discount
To register: visit www.rosevilleca.us/explore or call (916) 746-1550